10 Steps to Prepare for a Fire Emergency

“Safety doesn’t happen by accident.”

Being a fire wife has its advantages; besides the fact that he is well trained in the kitchen, he also knows a thing or two about fire safety and fire preparedness. I was contacted by Rainbow International, a Neighborly Company, which is also the nation’s leading residential and commercial restoration and cleaning service provider, to discuss fire safety with all of you. *This post was sponsored by them, but ALL opinions are my own.* So here are 10 steps, straight from a fire captain (and his wife), to prepare for a fire emergency in your home.

1) Get to know your SMOKE DETECTOR

• • Be sure to change the batteries every six months
  • Replace smoke detectors every 10 years (check the manufacture date printed on the detector)
  • Know the sound that a smoke detector makes
  • Test smoke detectors every month by pushing the “test” button

2) Always maintain SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

1. • Know two ways out of every room
   • Be aware of your nearest fire extinguisher
   • Introduce yourself to your neighbors and exchange contact information
   • Sign-up for Neighbor Watch opportunities (i.e.: NextDoor mobile app)

3) Learn how to use a FIRE EXTINGUISHER (use the acronym PASS)

1. • P – Pull the pin
   • A – Aim the nozzle
   • S – Squeeze the lever
   • S – Sweep the nozzle at the base of the fire

4) Develop an EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN with your family detailing what to do in the event of an emergency.

1. • Develop and practice a home evacuation route with a safe meeting area outside the home (practice this at least twice a year!)
   • Know the location of important documents (i.e.: photos, birth certificates, passports, money, etc.)
   • Have phone numbers to family members readily available
   • Establish an out-of-state contact for all family members to report to in case of an emergency

5) Meet your local FIREFIGHTERS

1. • Don’t make your first meeting with your local fire department on the worst day of your life.  Drive to your local fire station and introduce yourself.
   • If you have kids, schedule a date and time to visit the fire station and introduce your children to the firefighters.  Ensure that you children know that firefighters are there to HELP in a time of need.
   • Ask the firefighters to dress up in their full turnouts and SCBA so that your children won’t be frightened of the firefighters if they are performing a rescue.

6) Create a DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

1. • Have enough food and drinkable water for every member of the family to survive for a minimum of three days (preferably two weeks)
   • Other items to consider:
     • Flashlight
     • First aid kit
     • Batteries/ Solar powered chargers
     • Portable generator (w/ additional fuel)
     • Prescriptions
     • Radio (for news updates)
     • Toiletries
     • Bedding
     • Clothing
     • Trash Bags
     • Can Opener/ Pocket knife
     • Matches/ Lighter
     • Candles

7) Ensure every family member knows how to call or get HELP

1. • Post emergency numbers by the phone or on the refrigerator
   • Make sure all family members know how to call 911

8) Practice FIRE SAFETY on a regular basis

• • Crawl low under smoke
  • Stop, Drop, and Roll
  • Don’t play with matches

9) Know how to get important INFORMATION in a time of need

• • Subscribe to your city, county, and/or state’s Emergency Alerting System.  These mass notification systems provide important information quickly and efficiently through email, text or phone calls (i.e.: evacuation warnings, time-sensitive public announcements)
    1. Examples: www.AlertOC.com, local TV stations

10) Become a COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) Member

1. • Join your local CERT program to better learn about fire safety and how to help your neighborhoods following unexpected disasters.
   • Most CERT programs include the following classes:
     1. Fire Suppression (using fire extinguishers)
     2. Disaster Preparedness
     3. Understanding Fire Operations
     4. CPR/ Basic First-Aid
     5. Light Search and Rescue
     6. Terrorism Awareness

IF you do have a fire make sure to let the professionals at Rainbow International help you get back on your feet. They handle every step of the fire restoration process, from salvaging belongings to repairing your home to submitting insurance claims. When you seem to have too much on your plate, let Rainbow International make things as painless as possible to get you back in your home as quickly as possible.

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–> Here are MORE EMERGENCY TIPS in case of an earthquake that you might want to read as well.